Suomi/Finland Nordic Ski Trails A rolling course through a mixed hardwood forest weaving around eight lakes and ponds. Finns pronounce Suomi as “Soo-o-mi,” which means “Finland.” This region with its rolling hills, thick forests, and numerous lakes probably has more in common with Finland than just its name. For five years starting in 1905, loggers, many Finnish, worked to clear the area, taking the virgin pines out on tote roads using horses and steam-powered cables. In the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, which was established near the north parking lot, served as a center for trail building, fighting fires, and planting pines. Only in the 1970s did the area go non-motorized and now has more than 20 miles of trail. © Copyright John Pukite Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Phone 218-353-7521 Fees MN Ski Pass required Maps at trailhead with signs along trail Level of Difficulty more to most difficult trails Trail Description 5.6K single tracked; a figure eight system climbs to the halfway point providing a downhill return trail; the system features a trail across the northern portion of the Baptism River; trail has the advantage of being less frequented Location & Directions From Hwy 61 at Illgen City (60 miles from Duluth), drive north on MN Hwy 1 to Finland, then west on County Road 7 for 1 mile to parking area that is shared with snowmobilers Flathorn Gegoka Ski Trails Near Silver Bay & Finland and about 7 miles from Isabella A wilderness experience found in few other places. Trails wind around 2 pristine lakes (Flathorn and Gegoka) completely within the Superior National Forest. Tall red and white pines tower above you as you experience a true “away from it all” escape. Amenities Outhouse & Trail Shelter Fees MN Ski Pass required Maps online and posted at trailhead and all intersections Level of Difficulty easy, more & most difficult trails Trail Description 35K of groomed single-tracked trails Enjoy remote, quiet cross country ski trails winding through 2,000 acres of Superior National Forest. The trails are groomed for classical skiing and offer an “off the beaten path” alternative to many of the trail systems found in other areas. Moderate elevation changes allow skiers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the big pines of the "Isabella Pine Belt". Ski over the Little Isabella River on picturesque wooden footbridges. The area is off limits to snowmobiles so skiers can truly experience the quiet beauty of this remote area. Location & Directions From Hwy 61 at Illgen City (60 miles from Duluth), drive 26 miles north on MN Hwy 1 past Finland and Isabella to Mitiwan Lake Rd (FR 177) and turn right. Travel .75 miles - parking is on the left. Cross Country Ski Trails by Area Two Harbors Crosby Manitou State Park Grand Marais Gooseberry Falls State Park Finland / Little Marais Pincushion Mountain Split Rock Lighthouse S.P. Tofte Gunflint Trail Silver Bay Lutsen Grand Portage Tettegouche State Park Cascade River State Park main XC Ski page Up-to-date Snow Reports, Trail Reports & Weather Conditions & Forecasts Winter Activities Guide Here are links to everything you need for your next North Shore visit! Lodging Lodging Specials Snow Reports Calendar of Events Weather Activities Attractions Winter Activities State Parks Real Estate Shopping Dining Fall Colors Shipwrecks Canoe Outfitters Site Map North Shore Photos   Sign Up Now!   Created and updated on a hill outside of Grand Marais, overlooking Lake Superior by NinaWorks! All Text, Images and Content Copyright © 2012 NorthShoreVisitor.com / Nina Simonowicz All Rights Reserved New! Download and print the 2012 North Shore Visitor brochure -> the best free print guide to MN's North Shore of Lake Superior, and now the pdf is interactive!